How far is West Branch, IA from Ames, IA?
The driving distance from West Branch, IA to Ames, IA is about 136.3 miles (219.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 119.7 miles (192.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 24m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 12m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Tama County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Branch and Ames.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Branch and Ames.
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1
Start on Main Street
91 m · 8 sec · Main Street
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2
Turn right onto Parkside Drive
2062 ft · 41 sec · Parkside Drive
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3
Take the ramp right
1452 ft · 35 sec
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4
Merge slight left
14.6 mi · 16 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
1850 ft · 45 sec
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo
3219 ft · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
16 mi · 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 West, US 151 South, US 218 North: Tama
33.7 mi · 40 min
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9
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Lincoln Highway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Minneapolis
2992 ft · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 1 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward USDA Veterinary Labs
1758 ft · 45 sec
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13
Turn left onto East 13th Street
2.7 mi · 5 min · East 13th Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 13th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Branch and Ames.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Lincoln Highway
Continue on Lincoln Highway
65.7 mi · 01h 16m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny leaving West Branch and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Ames.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Branch to Ames?
The road trip is about 136.3 miles (219.4 km) and usually takes 02h 12m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Vining is a useful midpoint, sitting about 68.1 miles from West Branch and 68.3 miles from Ames.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 119.7 miles (192.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.6 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.14 one way or $36.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny around West Branch and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Ames.
Stop Ideas Near Vining
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Vining.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Branch and Ames. Straight-line distance: 119.66 mi (192.57 km).
#1 West Branch
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,519 |
| Coordinates | 41.6714100, -91.3465500 |
| Altitude | 219 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ames
The most populous city in Story County, Iowa.
| Population | 67,033 |
| Coordinates | 42.0347100, -93.6199400 |
| Altitude | 287 |
| Country | United States |
End: 13th Street (-93.619967, 42.034517)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 219 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.14 | $36.28 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.46 | $40.91 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.39 | $44.77 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.51 | $51.02 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.